USA > Massachusetts > Historical collections, being a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to the history and antiquities of every town in Massachusetts, with geographical descriptions > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
The unprecedented rapidity with which the flames spread themselves over the town, may be inferred from the following circumstance. Many persons had, soon after the fire began, carried their goods and furniture seemingly to a secure distance, and depo- sited them in the meeting-house of the Baptist society in Liberty street. But the fire at length reached this place, and consumed the church and its contents, which, being accumulated there, greatly increased the flames.
Nothing was more remarkable during the heart-rending scene of this destructive conflagration, than the spectacle which State street exhibited on one occasion. Two large brick buildings, four stories in height, stood upon the western side of this street, and opposed a barrier to the destructive element, which it was hoped for a time would there be arrested in its course. But a sudden change of wind threw the flames directly upon these immense piles, which were speedily involved in the general calamity. The opposite buildings being now on fire, and the wind blowing with great force, the flames ascended high on either side, and, meeting in the air, extended in a continual sheet of fire across the spacious street. The impression made by this tremendous scene upon the mind of the author of these pages, then a youthful spectator of it, will never be effaced from his recollection. It was sublime beyond conception. The beholder could look through a long vista of over-arching blaze, whose extreme brilliancy dazzled and fatigued, while it irresistibly attracted, the straining eye.
The sufferings of the families, whose dwellings and property were consumed, imme- diately excited the sympathy of the liberal and charitable. Meetings were held in many of the large towns in various parts of the country ; and generous donations were received from different quarters, for the relief of the inhabitants. The citizens of Boston collected upwards of twenty-four thousand dollars, which, with characteristic liberality, they presented to the sufferers by the fire. By these means, the losses of the poorer class were very much lightened, and the extent of the calamity was diminished. But the injury to the town, and to very many individuals, by the absolute destruction of property, was still very serious ; and its effects must long continue to be felt.
The first religious society in Newburyport was formed in 1725, out of the first parish in Newbury, and the Rev. John Lowell was ordained their first pastor in 1726. He died in 1767, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Thomas Cary. Rev. John Andrews was settled as colleague with Mr. Cary, in 1788. The first Presbyterian society dates its origin to the year 1744; it consisted of persons who se- parated about that time from the first and third churches in New- bury. They erected a house of worship in High street, in which they remained until 1756, when the present church in Federal street was built. The formation of this church took place in consequence of the excitement produced by the preaching of Mr. Whitefield. The Episcopal society was founded in 1711. The Orthodox Congregational church was founded 1767; the Indepen- dent Orthodox in 1794; the second Presbyterian in 1795; the Baptist society in 1804, and the Methodist Episcopal in 1827.
214
NEWBURYPORT.
House in which Mr. Whitefield died, Newburyport.
The above ancient house is now standing in School street, in Newburyport. It was the residence of the Rev. Jonathan Parsons, the first regular pastor of the first Presbyterian society. It is an object of interest on account of its being the place where Mr. Whitefield, the celebrated preacher, died. His lodging-room was the northern chamber on the second floor, two sides of which are seen in the engraving. He died in the entry at the window over the front door, to which he was taken to obtain the air. Some alterations have been made since that period about the window and front door. It was Mr. Whitefield's desire, should he die in this country, to be buried under Mr. Parsons' pulpit. The people of Boston and other places were desirous of having Mr. White- field's remains interred among them, but Mr. Parsons would not consent, but followed Mr. Whitefield's wishes in this respect. The first Presbyterian church in which Mr. Parsons, and also Mr. Whitefield, preached, is still standing, a few rods from the above house. The pulpit was formerly at the east side, and Mr. White- field's remains were buried under it : the pulpit is now at the south end of the church, and the remains, with those of Mr. Parsons and another minister, one each side, have been placed in a vault un- derneath, where they are yet to be seen. An elegant monument of Egyptian and Italian marble stands within the walls of the church, at one corner, erected to the memory of Mr. Whitefield. It is the gift of an eminent merchant of this place to the society in which he worships; it was designed by Strickland, and executed by Strother of Philadelphia. The following cut is from a draw- ing of this monument, and a copy of the inscription.
THIS CENOTAPH is erected, with affectionate veneration, to the memory of the Rev. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, born at Gloucester, England, December 16, 1714. Educated at Oxford University; ordained 1736. In a ministry of Thirty-four years, He crossed the Atlantic Thirteen times, and Preached more than eighteen thousand sermons. As a soldier of the cross, humble, devout, ardent, He put on the whole Armour of God ; preferring the Honour of Christ to his own Interest, Repose, Reputation, and Life. As
e d P 1
C
T
a C era Zar enf with tem
b
G
T
H
C
215
NEWBURYPORT.
בוזזוגרחכם
Whitefield's Monument.
a Christian orator, his deep Piety, disinterested zeal, and vivid Imagination, gave un- exampled energy to his look, utterance, and action. Bold, fervent, pungent, and popu- lar in his eloquence, no other uninspired man ever preached to so large assemblies, or enforced the simple Truths of the Gospel, by motives so persuasive and awful, and with an Influence so powerful on the hearts of his hearers. He died of Asthma, Sep- tember 30, 1770, suddenly exchanging his Life of unparalleled Labours for his Eter- nal Rest.
The following Elegy on Mr. Whitefield was written in England, by one of his admirers :
"Warm, frequent, and successfully he preach'd, While crowding thousands piously improv'd; His powerful voice to distant regions reach'd,
Two worlds attentive heard, admir'd, and lov'd.
Great Britain, Ireland and America, This apostolic preacher press'd to hear ; Sinners of every sort, the grave, the gay, Felt his reproofs, and learn'd their God to fear.
His constant theme was Jesus and his grace ; Fir'd with this subject, how his periods flow'd ! Celestial radiance shone upon his face, And in his heart divine affection glow'd.
The sacred influence so plenteous pour'd On humbled sinners, fell with mighty power : Converted thousands felt the quick'ning word, Bow'd to the grace, and bless'd the happy hour.
Terror and soft compassion mutual join'd . To stop the sinner in his mad career ;
Zion and thundering Sinai he combined, To draw with gentleness, or urge with fear.
Nor did poor fainting souls attend in vain, Rich gospel cordials dropped from his tongue ; The wounded conscience lost its dreadful pain, And sorrow's plaint was changed to rapture's song.
Whitefield is dead .- Not so his deathless fame ; Nor time nor calumny shall that impair ; Immortal excellence adorns his name, Immortal fruits his pious labors bear.
Among the thousands of God's Israel, Most precious shall thy dear remembrance be, Religious fathers to their children tell The mighty work God brought to pass by thee.
--
The annals of the churches shall record With what amazing power the Spirit came ; And while they give all glory to the Lord, Shall well remember White field's honor'd name."
" Theophilus Parsons, a name identified with the history of our law, laid the foundations of his eminence in Newburyport. Born in Newbury, in February, 1750, he received the rudiments of his education at Dummer Academy, under the celebrated master Moo- dy. His father, the Rev. Moses Parsons, was minister of Byfield parish in Newbury. He was graduated at Harvard college, in 1769, and afterwards studied law in Falmouth, now Portland, and while there taught the grammar-school in that town. He prac-
216
NEWBURYPORT.
tised law there a few years; but the conflagration of the town by the British, in 1775, obliged him to return to his father's house, where he met Judge Trowbridge, and received the most valuable instructions from that eminent jurist. He soon resumed the prac- tice of his profession in this town, and rapidly rose to unrivalled reputation as a lawyer.
"In 1777, he wrote the fanious Essex Result, and in 1779 was an active member of the convention which framed the state constitu- tion. In 1789, he was a member of the convention for considering the present Constitution of the United States, and was peculiarly instrumental in procuring its adoption. In 1801, he was appointed attorney-general of the United States, but declined accepting his commission. In 1800, he removed to Boston. In 1806, he was appointed chief justice of the supreme court of Massachusetts, and his profound legal opinions have mainly contributed to settle the principles of our expository law. He died in Boston, October 13, 1813, with reputation as a judge and a lawyer unequalled in Massachusetts."-Cushing's History of Newburyport.
" Jacob Perkins was born at Newburyport, July 9, 1766. His father, Matthew Perkins, was a lineal descendant of one of the first settlers of Ipswich, and lived to the advanced age of ninety. After receiving a common school education, he became apprentice to a goldsmith, and soon displayed those extraordinary inventive powers in mechanics which have elevated him to distinction.
" At the age of twenty-one, he was employed, when other artists had failed, to make dies for the copper coinage of Massachusetts, under the old confederation. At twenty-four, he invented the nail machine, which cut and headed nails at one operation. His me- chanical genius was now fully developed; and for twenty years and upwards, he continued to multiply useful inventions in the arts with a facility truly astonishing. His ingenuity in making a plate for bank notes incapable of being counterfeited, and in dis- covering the art of softening and hardening steel at pleasure, was particularly useful to the public. The latter discovery opened a wide field for the labors of the engraver, and led to many happy results.
" It would be endless to recount the great number of useful or ingenious inventions which he was constantly producing during the latter part of his residence in America. His talents found, for a time, a wider field for their display in Philadelphia, whither he removed from Newburyport. After residing there several years, he crossed the Atlantic, and is now exercising his genius in Eng- land-the great theatre for the exhibition and encouragement of abilities like his. Besides many things of merely philosophical interest, which he has there been teaching to the teachers of the world, he has also made some signal improvements in the steam engine, the great mechanical agent of modern times. His inven- tions in the arts of engraving and in calico printing, among other things, have been successfully put in operation ; while his genius, and his urbanity of deportment and simplicity of character, are.
ma Tra 30
r
pa an
as k B th be att of
E ag th fe W ter th 01 to C ri A th N 'se
Y R to of Ta si ta
p
217
ROWLEY.
procuring him the admiration and esteem of the wisest men and greatest nobles of Britain." .
1
1
ROWLEY.
ROWLEY was settled in 1638 by a company of persons from Yorkshire, England, at the head of which was the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, who had been a minister at Rowley, England. The town took its present name in honor of Mr. Rogers. The easterly part of the town is made up of broad tracts of marsh land, which yields vast quantities of salt grass. The central village of Rowley con- sists of 2 churches, and upwards of thirty dwelling-houses. Dis- tance from Boston, 28 miles.
Mr. Rogers, says Dr. Spofford, "was born at Wethersfield, England, in 1590. He entered the university at thirteen years of age, and graduated A. M., at the age of twenty. After enduring many afflictions in England, he obtained a peaceful settlement in this place, to which he was a distinguished benefactor. He suf- fered many domestic sorrows in the evening of his days, and died, worn out with labor and care, in 1660." His remains were disin- terred a few years since, and removed to a more suitable part of the burying-ground, and a marble monument erected by the people of Rowley, who still enjoy the fruits of his bounty. Edward Carl- ton was said to be the first person born here, ancestor of the Carltons who now live in the town, born 1639. The first mar- riage took place the same year. The parties were Robert and Anna Haseltine. A fulling-mill was established here by some of the first settlers, who made the first cloth that was ever made in North America. The following are some of the names of the first settlers : Chaplin, Gage, Jewett, Mighill, Nelson, Payson, Spof- ford, Stickney, and Tenney. The act incorporating the town is as follows : "1639, 4th day of the 7th month, ordered that Mr. Eze- kiel Roger's Plantation shall be called Rowley." The towns of Bradford and Boxford, with parts of one or two other towns, were then included. By a late act of the legislature another town has been made out of Rowley, by the name of Georgetown. Much attention is paid to the cultivation of fruit in the town; upwards of 1,000 barrels of perry are annually made.
There is $400,000 to $500,000 capital employed mostly in the manufacture of shoes and leather. In 1837, before Georgetown was set off from this town, there were 32,600 pairs of boots; shoes, 300,250 pairs, were manufactured, valued at $315,360. There were 16 tanneries ; the value of leather tanned and curried was $43,400.
The first church in this place was organized in 1639. The first pastor, Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, settled on the formation of the church, and died 1661. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Phillips, in
28
218
SALEM.
1650, died 1696. His successor was the Rev. Samuel Shepard, who was settled in 1665, died 1668. The fourth pastor was Rev. Edward Payson, direct ancestor of Dr. Payson of Portland; he was settled in 1682, and died 1732. In 1729 he was succeeded by the Rev. Jedediah Jewett, who died 1774. His successor was the Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, who was settled in 1782, died in 1801. The next was the Rev. David Tullar, who settled here in 1803, and was dismissed 1810. He was succeeded by the Rev. James W. Tucker, in 1812, who died 1829. His successor was Rev. Wil- lard Holbrook, settled in 1818.
The following is the inscription on the monument of Mr. Rogers, the first minister of Rowley.
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. EZEKIEL ROGERS, first minister of the church in Rowley, who emigrated from Britain to this place, with his church and flock, in 1638. He finished his labors and life, 23 Jan. 1660, in his 70th year. He was a man of emi- nent piety, zeal, and abilities. His strains of oratory were delightful. Regeneration and union to Jesus Christ, by faith, were points, on which he principally insisted. He so remarkably expressed the feelings, exercises, motives, and characters of his hearers, that they were ready to exclaim, who hath told him all this? With the youth he took great pains, and was a tree of knowledge laden with fruit, which children could reach. He bequeathed a part of his lands to the town of Rowley for the support of the gospel, which generous benefaction we, in the first parish, enjoy to the present day, and here gratefully commemorate, by raising this monument to his memory, in 1805.
SALEM.
SALEM, the chief town in Essex county, was the first town set- tled in the bounds of the old Massachusetts colony. It was in- debted for its first settlement to the failure of a "fishing planta- tion" at Cape Ann. The Rev. John White, and a number of gentlemen belonging to Dorchester, in England, were strongly set on establishing colonies in Massachusetts, in order that they might become places of refuge from the corruptions and oppressions which prevailed under James I. There being some difficulty among the Plymouth settlers, some of them were obliged to leave Plymouth and reside at Nantasket, the most distinguished of whom were Rev. John Lyford and Roger Conant. These per- sons, with their companions, being chosen by Mr. White and his associates to manage their affairs at Cape Ann, they accordingly left Nantasket, and removed to this place in the autumn of 1625. Conant, finding a better place for a plantation a little to the west- ward, called Naumkeag, gave notice of it to his friends in Eng- land. This information gave rise to a project for procuring a grant for settling a colony in Massachusetts Bay. In 1628, a pa- tent having been obtained, Capt. John Endicott was sent over with about 100 persons, to carry on the plantation at Naumkeag, where he arrived in September. For his dwelling, he purchased the materials of a house which had been located at Cape Ann, and belonged to the Dorchester company. Some remains of this build- ing are said to be in existence. Those who remained at Naum- keag passed through severe afflictions. Some had scarcely a
-
1 --
to
m
219
SALEM.
suitable place to lay their head, or food sufficient to satisfy the cravings of hunger. A large proportion died with scurvy and other diseases.
In 1629, the Massachusetts company obtained a charter from the king, granting them powers to administer the government of the colony : they received the title of " The Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay, in New England." Their seal was in part the representation of an Indian, having a bow in one hand and an arrow in another, and a label from his mouth, with the scriptural expression, "Come over and help us." The spirit of emigration now gained strength. During this year, four clergymen, the Rev. Francis Higginson, and Messrs. Skelton, Bight, and Smith, set sail in a fleet, which contained as passengers 300 men, 60 women, and 26 children. There were, also, on board, 115 neat cattle, some horses, sheep, goats, and 6 cannon, with stores suitable for a fort. The ship Talbot arrived with Messrs. Higginson and Smith at Cape Ann, June 27th. There they spent the Sabbath, and came to Naumkeag the 29th. On the condition of the plantation, Mr. Higginson writes :- " When we came first to Nehumkek, we found about half a score of houses ; we found also abundance of corn planted by them, very good, and well liking. And we brought with us more than 200 passengers and planters more, which by common consent of the old planters were combined together into one body politic, under the same governor. There are in all of us, both old and new planters, about 300, whereof 200 of them are settled at Nehumkek, now Salem. And the rest have planted themselves at Masathulets Bay, beginning to build a town there, which we do call Cherto, or Charlestown. We that are settled at Salem make what haste we can to build houses; so that in a short time we shall have a fair town. We have great ordinance, where- with we doubt not but we shall fortify ourselves in a short time to keep out a potent adversary. But that which is our greatest comfort and means of defence above all others is, that we have here the true religion and holy ordinances of Almighty God taught among us." Mr. Higginson and the others, after their arrival, deemed it expedient to alter the name of the town, and wished to designate it by a term significant of their freedom from civil and religious oppression. It therefore received the name Salem, a He- brew word, meaning peace. It appears that the natives had for- saken this spot, and none ever claimed it, and the possession was uninterrupted.
"The company's advice to Mr. Endicott shows how careful they were to have the Lord's day kept holy. They observe, 'To the end the- Sabbath may be celebrated in a religious manner, we appoint that all that inhabit the plantation, both for the general and particular employments, may surcease their labour every Saturday throughout the year at 3 o'c. in the afternoon, and that they spend the rest of that day in chate- chizing and preparing for the Sabbath as the ministers shall direct.' They were equally desirous to have family order and religion kept up. On this subject they say : 'For the better accommodation of business we have divided the servants belonging to the company into several families, as we desire and intend they should live together, a copy whereof we send you here enclosed, that you may accordingly appoint each man his charge and duty ; yet it is not our intent to tie you so strictly to this direction
220
SALEM.
but that in your discretion, as you shall see cause, from time to time, you may alter or displace any as you should think fit. Our earnest desire is that you take special care in settling these families, that the chief in the family (at least some of them) be grounded in religion, whereby morning and evening family duties may be duly per- formed, and a watchful eye held over all in each family, by one or more in each fam- ily to be appointed hereto, that so disorders may be prevented and ill weeds nipt before they take too great a head.' * * * *
" In order to secure a primary object of their emigration, our fathers took measures for the regular establishment of the church and ministry among them. July 20th was set apart by Mr. Endicott for choice of the pastor and teacher. Of the services on that interesting day, Mr. Charles Gott writes to Gov. Bradford of Plymouth. . He thus expresses himself :- ' The 20th of July, it pleased God to move the heart of our governor to set it apart for a solemn day of humiliation for the choice of a pastor and teacher ; the, former part of the day being spent in praise and teaching; the latter part was spent about the election, which was after this manner : The persons thought on were demanded concerning their callings. They acknowledged there was a two- fold calling, the one inward calling, when the Lord moved the heart of a man to take that calling upon him, and filled him with gifts for the same; the second was from the people; when a company of believers are joined together in covenant, to walk together in all the ways of God, every member is to have a free voice in the choice of their officers. These two servants clearing all things by their answers, we saw no reason but that we might freely give our voices for their election after this trial. Their choice was after this manner,-every fit member wrote in a note his name whom the Lord moved him to think was fit for a pastor, and so likewise whom they would have for a teacher ;- so the most voice was for Mr. Skelton to be pastor and Mr. Higginson to be teacher ; and they accepting the choice, Mr. Higginson, with three or four more of the gravest members of the church, laid their hands on Mr. Skelton, using prayers therewith. This being done, then there was imposition of hands on Mr. Higginson. Then there was proceeding in election of elders and deacons ; but they were only named, and laying on of hands deferred, to see if it pleased God to send us more able men over ; but since Thursday is appointed for another solemn day of humiliation for the full choice of elders and deacons and ordaining them ; now, good Sir, I hope that you, and the rest of God's people with you, will say that here was a right foundation laid, and that these two blessed servants of the Lord came in at the door and not at the window.' When the 6th of August came the services in contem- plation were performed. A platform of church government, a confession of doctrines in general, and a covenant were adopted. The last was subscribed by thirty persons. To this number many of good report were soon added. One particular contained in their covenant was, that they would endeavor to be clear from being stumbling- blocks in the way of the Indians. The Plymouth church were invited to take part in the ordination, with the understanding that their counsel was to be nothing more than discretionary. Of their delegates was Gov. Bradford. He and his attendants were prevented by adverse winds from being here in the forenoon; but they arrived season- ably enough to present the right hand of fellowship.
" It will be perceived, that there were two ministers placed over the congregation here instead of one. This custom seems not to have been fully complied with here in any other instance, excepting that in which Mr. Williams served for a short period with Mr. Skelton. It was a custom, however, so dear to some of the colony, they would not interrupt it, lest they should be chargeable with flagrant iniquity ; and those thus inclined succeeded to keep it alive over a century. Instead of being titled Reverend then and a considerable period afterwards, Congregational ministers were called Elders. The ruling elder selected for the church here was Mr. Henry Haughton. This office was considered an important one, and continued to be esteemed in the colonial churches till the middle of the last century. The duty of such officers was to preach occasionally in the absence or on the illness of the ministers, and also to assist in cases of church discipline. When preachers except their own served, they were in the habit of remarking, previously to their beginning-' If ye have any word of exhortation, say on.' "- Felt's Annals of Salem.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.